"I work with the Department of Forests and Parks Services in Bhutan, in wildlife conservation. I have co-ordinated national tiger surveys and studied the red panda. Now I'm responsible for protected areas and our network of biological corridors. About 72% of my country is under forest and just over half of Bhutan is classed as a protected area.
I took study leave to come to UNE for the first time more than 10 years ago, and this is my third visit, to develop the knowledge that can contribute to nation-building back home. Environmental conservation is one of the four pillars of Gross National Happiness, introduced by the Fourth King of Bhutan.
Ours is a small country - just 700,000 people - and education is very important to protecting our environment and culture. A number of my colleagues have now studied environmental science at UNE and we take back and plant what we learn in Bhutan, where we hope it will propagate.
Because we have studied together, we share the same thinking and it makes it easier to collaborate and implement new things. Our networking and co-operation continues to grow and I think we will have a relationship with UNE for many years to come.
The smaller university suits me and I have had good opportunities for research here. It's been homely, and the staff are very friendly and helpful.
I am looking forward to taking what I have learned and contributing to my own country. UNE has helped me to fulfil my dreams."
UNE was five stars for “Overall Student Experience” by the 2019 Good Universities Guide for the 13th year in a row.
Sangay Dorji
Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Management, UNE
Master of Resource Science, UNE
Doctor of Philosophy, UNE
